Officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Central and Regional Field Offices visited Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) on October 23 to monitor and evaluate projects funded by the DA–Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Program Management Office (ACEF-PMO).

Represented by Dr. Fides Bernardo Bitanga, Vice President for Administration and Finance, MMSU welcomed the delegation led by Ms. Jovita Elocre and Ms. Marie Roselie Bea from the DA Central Office, along with Mr. Charles Charlie Belisario, Ms. Rosemarie Villanueva, and Ms. Michelle Manuel from the Regional Field Office 1.

The visit focused on the assessment of two key projects, namely the upgrading of the Technology Innovation and Partnership Center and the initiative to increase the availability of swine quality stock through the distribution and enhancement of a swine multiplier farm in Ilocos Norte.

Following the courtesy call, the team proceeded to the MMSU Food Processing Innovation Center for an initial inspection related to the upgrade project.

The DA officials were assisted by project leaders from the College of Agriculture, Food, and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), Professors Rhoda Garcia, Joan Rarogal, and Hazel Achuela, who provided updates on the progress and impact of these initiatives aimed at improving agricultural innovation and livestock productivity in the region. (𝘚𝘊𝘐)